Jump to: What is Root Pruning?, Tree Root Pruning and the City of Portland, Contact Your Local Tree Root Removal Services

Think it might be time to prune the roots of that old mature tree causing your sidewalk to buckle? Not so fast! In addition to the risk of fines and penalties from the city, there are dangerous safety issues and — perhaps most importantly — risks to the tree stability and health of the tree that must be considered before starting a root pruning project. Understanding when to prune roots, exploring root pruning alternatives like root barriers, and weighing the cost versus long-term solutions are critical considerations for any property owner facing infrastructure damage.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional when considering work of this type. For the best in full-service tree care, you’ll want to give the certified arborists at Urban Forest Pro a call. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help assess what type of tree work is best for your situation and can advise you on options that you may not have been aware of, including root barrier installation, tree preservation strategies, and preventive measures to protect your property.

What is Root Pruning?

What is tree root pruning? The Spruce has a good definition: “Root pruning is the process of slicing through the roots … of an established tree that is going to be dug and transplanted. This is done to encourage the growth of new feeder roots along the root ball that will be transplanted along with the tree. A smaller root ball, with many feeder roots, will help the tree acclimate faster to its new spot in the ground.”

That definition provides a glimpse of the complexity of this process. As we’ve written before in the Urban Forest Pro blog, you should never cut your tree roots (or let your concrete contractor cut them) because tree roots to be cut must be marked by the city arborist before cutting. Cutting tree roots above ground removals without city compliance and permit assistance is a surefire way to cause permanent damage or death to your street trees and incur a hefty fine.

Besides, without the use of other root control measures like root barriers that prevent future root encroachment, improperly cut roots will not cease to damage sidewalks, if that’s the reason you’re considering slashing at a tree’s roots. In fact, studies show that despite tree root pruning, sidewalks will, on average, lift again within five years. This is why certified arborists assess tree health and install root barriers as long-term solutions rather than relying solely on root cutting.

Often, the city will notify you that you need to do something about a buckling sidewalk. If that’s the case, do not procrastinate. In “Tree Roots VS Your Sidewalks,” we noted that after a notice is sent, it will likely “take the entire time allotted to you to make all of the arrangements to have this work done.” Understanding how much does root pruning cost, what to expect during service, and how long it takes are common concerns for homeowners facing these compliance deadlines.

Tree Root Pruning and the City of Portland

The city of Portland provides clear directives on root pruning to ensure tree preservation and sidewalk protection.

From the city’s website: “Street trees: A permit is required to prune roots greater than or equal to 1/4 inch at attachment on any tree in the City right-of-way, which is typically between the curb and sidewalk. … No permit is required to root prune a tree on private property.” Our team provides permit assistance and ensures full city compliance for all residential and commercial projects, protecting you from fines while maintaining tree health.

As one of Portland’s “Local Tree Care Providers,” Urban Forest Pro has a good and long working relationship with the city. Our locally owned, family-owned business brings years of experience in navigating Portland's tree regulations. The city’s website is a valuable resource for homeowners and property owners, providing a wealth of knowledge about many different tree services.

For example, here’s what the city says about how extensive a tree’s root system can be: “Tree root systems are very large; they can reach as far away from the trunk as the tree is tall. Tree root systems are also very shallow, with 80 percent of the roots in the top three feet of soil. The roots are integral to the survival of a tree. They support the tree, absorb water and nutrients and store food. A healthy root system ensures a healthy tree, so special consideration needs to be taken when working in the root zone or pruning tree roots.” This is why professional arborists conduct a thorough tree assessment and root inspection before any work begins, examining the root collar and root flare to diagnose potential issues with tree stability, soil compaction, and drainage issues that could affect both the tree species and surrounding infrastructure.

The certified arborists at Urban Forest Pro recommend having your tree roots examined and, if necessary, regularly maintained, monitored, and pruned every three years or so. Our reliable, affordable service includes root health assessment, soil amendment recommendations, and preventive care to protect your property from foundation damage, sewer line issues, and property damage. Call Urban Forest Pro today and leave the difficult task of root pruning to the experts.

Contact Your Local Tree Root Removal Services At Urban Forest Pro

If your tree roots are above ground and need removal, contact us for a consultation. We offer tree root pruning services, including root barrier installation, stump grinding, and emergency service for urgent situations, and because we are experienced arborists, we can diagnose the best course of action to deal with the tree and roots that are causing the issue. We provide written estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees, and all work includes cleanup. Our fully equipped team offers flexible scheduling and same-day service for emergency situations. If you have any questions about our tree root pruning services or about our tree trimming services, call our office today for your free estimate: 503-912-8092.

When choosing an arborist, credentials verification is essential. Our ISA certified professionals educate property owners about root pruning vs removal options, helping you understand the cost-benefit analysis and best time of year for your specific tree species. We take a preventive approach focused on environmental stewardship and tree preservation philosophy, ensuring compliance-focused service that protects both your trees and your investment.

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